I was out on Tuesday at South Passage at Lancelin in the waves. It was blowing around 25 knots and was excellent conditions for both kiters and windsurfers.

There was about 20 windsurfers on the break and one other kiter. A mate and I kited out to get into the waves which we had been doing every day. We had been on the same break earlier in the day when it was less windy and the three of us out there were having a blast by outselves.

Because the wind was up and the windsurfers were out I was astounded at the level of abuse that my mate and I were getting off some of the windsurfers.

My mate and I had done at least 20 years of windsurfing before we got into kiting. Kiting has now taken over our lives and we are happy to go to our old breaks and carve up the waves.

I could not believe what went on, I was very angry and disappointed. There are two basic sets of rules, one is surfing rules as who gets the wave and the other is boating rules which determines which sail craft needs to give way. The windsurfers giving the most lip did not seem to know either of these sets of rules and were placing themsleves in the wrong spot then blaming other people for their lack of knowledge and skills.

Eventually they won, my mate and I left because it just was not worth taking **** over. We had a house on the beach and could go out when we wanted to the following day.

I still like to go windsurfing but following this incident it was damaged my impression of those who do the sport that I loved.
If I was angry and young I could have easily jumped my board through the masts and sails to get back at these people as they are far more vunerable then we are.
Don't be silly if you windsurf, this type of behaviour is totally unacceptable on the water and off the water. What goes around comes around and one day if you act like that in the waves someone with less tolerance will seriously damage you and your equipment all of which does no good for anyone.

Mads